August 2002: Night Meeting Summary

Tombs Gomez has been working on Mars for ten days straight, and is off to party during his two days off. Stopping for gas on his way across the deserted Martian hills, Gomez meets an old gas station attendant who points out how different Mars is, and how that difference is a blessing. He notes that the weather, the scenery, the wild life, and even time are different. Gomez compliments the old man on his views, and sets off driving. He thinks the night smells like Time, and wonders briefly what Time smells, looks, and feels like.

Stopping in a deserted Martian town, Gomez gets out of the car and sits peacefully, admiring the Martian night. He is startled by a sound, and when he looks, he is greeted by a praying mantis machine, with a Martian driving. As...